A Smashing Opening Weekend for Beauty and the Beast
Posted on: Tuesday, December 9, 2025Newark has been whisked away to Chevannès; a charming town in France, as Beauty and the Beast burst onto the Palace Theatre stage with a spectacular opening weekend. The show unveiled its magic on Friday 5 December and has already enjoyed a phenomenal first week, complete with a glamorous gala evening for press and invited guests on Saturday and a relaxed, inclusive performance on Sunday 7 December.
This production marks the Palace Theatre Newark’s fifth collaboration with Jordan Productions, following last year’s record-breaking Aladdin. Audiences are already calling it their favourite pantomime yet! Tickets are flying out of the Box Office, so anyone wishing to sprinkle some festive enchantment into the season is urged to book quickly; don’t let Malévolent beat you to it.
Audiences have been dazzled by the show’s unexpected chart-toppers, breathtaking special effects, and a cast bursting with charisma. Children in particular are falling in love with the comedy characters. Blu, aged 6, who attended Saturday evening’s performance, said: “My favourite bit about the show was the plates scene and my favourite character was Potty Pierre because he’s so funny!”
Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture, and the Arts, said: “It’s been wonderful to hear such overwhelmingly positive feedback from audiences already. Pantomime plays a vital role in our district’s heritage and cultural life; it brings generations together, fills the theatre with joy, and creates magical memories for families year after year. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the incredibly talented cast and to every member of the Palace Theatre team whose hard work makes productions like this shine.”
Beauty and the Beast continues its magical run at the Palace Theatre Newark until Wednesday 31 December. Tickets are available now at www.palacenewark.com or by calling the Box Office on 01636 655755 (open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–4pm).